Disobey Akali orders, Punjab Congress chief tells police

"I urge the policemen in the state to listen to the voice of their conscience rather than following the illegal and flawed orders of the Akali rulers," Bajwa said.

He was addressing election rallies in Talwandi Sabo assembly constituency in southwest Punjab which goes for by-election Aug 21.

Bajwa said: "It is perhaps for the first time in the history of the state the police was being misused to this extent by the rulers for their vested, personal and political interests. I urge the men from the disciplined force to be honest to the state and the people rather than playing in the hands of the dishonest and corrupt rulers."

He alleged it was because of the misuse of the police force that women were not feeling safe in Punjab. He said Akali rulers had unleashed a reign of terror and the Akali goons considered themselves to be above law, since they enjoyed patronage from the top.